FARMINGTON, Utah (Jan. 11, 2023) - The Big Sky women's basketball season is heating up as two teams remain undefeated in conference play. Below are news and notes from around the conference as we enter Week 10 of the season.
(Big Sky Weekly Notebook)
Sacramento State and Idaho State Remain Undefeated in Conference Play
With an in-conference record of 3-0, both the Hornets and the Bengals are continuing their current hot-streaks as they enter their next set of games. Sacramento State will tip-off against Northern Colorado and Northern Arizona on the road while Idaho State will host both Montana State and Montana.
Sacramento State’s Kahlaijah Dean Earns Player of the Week
For the third time this season, Sacramento State's Kahlaijah Dean was named Player of the Week after her performance over the weekend for the Hornets. In two games, Dean recorded 57 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. With help from the senior guard, the Hornets remain undefeated so far in conference play as they enter this next week 3-0.
Idaho’s Beyonce Bea Breaks 300 Points this Season
In 15 games, Idaho’s Beyonce Bea has put up a grand total of 330 points as the Vandal is averaging 22.0 points a game. Bea has recorded 116 field goals, 91 free throws and seven 3-PT field goals. The senior remains seventh in the nation in scoring as she is right behind Angel Reese, the junior from Louisiana State.
Portland State’s Esmeralda Morales Leads in 3-PT Field Goals
Averaging 2.8 3-PT field goals a game, Portland State’s Esmeralda Morales leads the league as the Viking has recorded 36 3FG’s in 13 games. With help from Morales, Portland State tops the conference in team 3-PT field goal percentage as the Vikings have a current percentage of .353.
Eastern Washington Tops the Conference in Steals and Assists
Eastern Washington currently leads the conference in both steals and assists as the Eagles have recorded 140 steals and 223 assists in 14 games so far this season. EWU leads in both statistics with help from graduate student, Jamie Loera as she has recorded 65 assists and 32 steals for the Eagles so far this year.
Northern Colorado in Top Spot for Team Free Throws
With 199 free throws made on 250 attempts, the Northern Colorado Bears lead the league in team free throw percentage with a current percentage of .796. Hannah Simental leads both the Bears and the Big Sky in free throw percentage as the junior has recorded 58 free throws on 62 attempts, giving her a current percentage of .935.
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Upcoming Big Sky Basketball Schedule
Thursday, Jan. 12
Portland State at Northern Arizona* // 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Sacramento State at Northern Colorado* // 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Montana at Weber State* // 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Montana State at Idaho State* // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Saturday, Jan. 14
Montana State at Weber State* // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Sacramento State at Northern Arizona* // 2:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Idaho at Eastern Washington* // 2:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Portland State at Northern Colorado* // 2:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Montana at Idaho State* // 2:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
* - Denotes Big Sky Conference Game